Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, appears most commonly in one-year old children, and about half of these children will have them when they become adults. Sadly, research reveals a very high dissatisfaction among adult patients of the treatments available for atopic dermatitis (AD). On the other hand, this is a good news for new entrants in the market.

The research done by GfK Disease Atlas on atopic dermatitis covered eight countries, over 4,000 pediatric and adult atopic dermatitis patients, and over 800 physicians. Results reveal that 6 out of 10 patients experiencing moderate to severe atopic dermatitis who were treated with topical steroids are not satisfied with the results.

This is amidst the the fact that about 92% of them said that their doctors explained what is expected from the treatment. Four out of 10 of doctors also expressed their dissatisfaction. Topical steroids are used mainly to reduce the swelling and inflammation in affected areas and control eczema.

There is a lack of options available for patients, making them repeat the same treatment options.This is the reason why GfK Immunology and Dermatology Therapy Director Alison Rose said that there is a huge potential for new players to enter the market and provide with other therapy options.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, atopic dermatitis cannot be cured but it can be controlled. This is done by preventing AD from getting worse, calming the skin and relieving pain and itch, preventing infections, and stopping the skin from thickening.

Further, according to the AAD website, there is no way to determine if AD will ever go away or it will be a lifelong disease, however, it gets milder with age. Treatments, therefore, are very much important in preventing AD from getting worse and relieving a patient's discomfort.